For those of us who aren’t super familiar with Chinese New Year, it’s actually based on a lunar calendar and part of the Chinese calendar. Every year, they celebrate a different animal on a different date each year. In 2021, it’s the Year of the Ox, and their New Years Day is in fact, on the 12th February 2021. While it may be further away than our New Years’ on 31st December; you can choose to honor their date, or host your own version on the Western New Years’ date!
Either way, it’s an amazing choice. You can still do your more traditional New Year celebration, whilst introducing something new for you and your guests! Win-win! So, let’s find out the best Chinese New Year decorations you need to elevate your party!
The Essential Chinese New Year Decorations:
We’ve decided to split these tips between the essentials and the extras. Some may be essential to you, while others may not and well, the more choices the merrier, right?! So, let’s get into the essentials for now, and you can make the final call…
Fortune Cards
“This game-and-decoration-in-one falls well in line with their traditions – not to mention a healthier alternative to fortune cookies, right?!”
Why not go one step further with your Hong Bao tree and hang these fortune cards on the tree? The game is simple: Ask each guest to take a fortune card, and scratch off the golden circle. Each card will reveal a positive affirmation for 2021 and three cards of each pack have the word: “WINNER” underneath said affirmation. If any of your guests discover this card, be sure to have a little gift at the ready!
It’s Chinese custom to gift each other things and this game-and-decoration-in-one falls well in line with their traditions – not to mention a healthier alternative to fortune cookies, right?!
Do you want to learn more about Chinese New Year games and activities? Have a read of this
Paper Lanterns
First up on the essentials list are these red and gold paper lanterns. They are an absolute must at any Chinese celebration and especially important for Chinese New Year. Paper lanterns are seen as good luck charms and ward off the Nian monster.
With that being said, that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own – or include other colors or styles to compliments the main choice of decorations. These ones from Amazon are super affordable and come in a pack of 10!
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Couplets
The next most important thing to use for Chinese New Year decorations is couplets. Traditionally, they have Chinese scripture written on each couplet and hung in front of their homes to ward off any bad spirits or people.
Today, they are pretty much part of the furniture and a tradition in itself to featured at your Chinese New Year party. You can either teach yourself some Chinese calligraphy and make your own, or pick some up online for next to nothing! If you’re going for the easier decorating option, we say choose the latter!
Red Envelopes with Gold Coins (Hong Bao)
Possibly the sweetest tradition from Chinese New Year is the concept of Hong Bao; a red envelope filled with a lucky coin. The tradition stems back as far as the 15th century; Hong Bao are gifted to friends and family members as signs of good luck and prosperity.
You can choose to make your own from scratch or grab some of these stunning Hong Bao from Etsy. Just add some lucky coins and you’ve got some traditional Chinese New Year decorations to be proud of!
Looking for more New Years brunch inspiration? Check this out
Hong Bao Tree
For your Chinese New Year party, consider hanging your Hong Bao on a tree to make a beautiful, statement ornamental piece. Ask each guest to take one home with them and there you have it; party favors and a memorable Chinese New Year decoration, all wrapped in one!
If you don’t have a tree-style ornament to hang them on, check out this one we found on Etsy. It’s a great starting point for you to build your Hong Bao on!
Hanging Pendants
Another great Chinese New Year decoration is any form of red and gold hanging pendants. All pendants are meticulously detailed and unique, and they represent elegance and are viewed as a work of art.
Typically, hanging pendants will have the image of the animal of the year on the one side, and a word or phrase of wisdom on the other. As 2021 is going to be the Year of the Ox, these hanging pendants from Amazon are a really great choice to go for!
Silk Placemats
Okay, so we’ve covered all the hanging and ornamental Chinese New Year decorations, but what about the table setting? Chinese people love silk (and red and gold of course!) and these silk placemats are a perfect ode to their traditions while showing respect for their culture.
The best part? They can be used again and again – Chinese New Year or not! Be sure to pick up a decent number of place mats as you never know which random guest might pop up along the way!
Extra Chinese New Year Decorations:
So, while we’ve covered the essentials, no party is complete without some extras! When it comes to Chinese New Year, there are many little trinkets or additions that bring the whole theme together and introduce the party in the best way possible to their guests. First up…
Oranges and Clementines
A strange addition no doubt, but a necessary one. Way back in the good, old days (ha!) oranges and clementines were seen as very important Chinese New Year decorations. This is because they are viewed as symbolic treats to their receiver, promising prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.
Typically, the fruit will be laid out in a large bowl or dressed up with additional decorations to be gifted out to friends and family at the end of the party. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to have some citrus fruit on hand!
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Orchids
Orchids are a long-standing tradition in Chinese celebrations, including Chinese New Year and many others. Orchids are seen as beautiful, delicate flowers that promote fertility and abundance – making them very appropriate for a Chinese New Year celebration.
If offered as gifts at the party, this is seen as a very kind gesture as orchids are usually expensive, sought-after flowers. Perhaps, one stem per guest is a kind enough gesture on this occasion?!
Firecrackers
Last but definitely not least are Chinese Firecrackers! Perhaps the strangest of the Chinese New Year decorations, firecrackers are considered an exciting extra to have at any celebration – though mostly New Years. This is because they are used to scare off evil spirits and has since become a part of the New Year tradition.
With that being said, many retailers create ‘synthetic’ firecrackers – basically, some props that look the part, but don’t have any capacity to explode! The more authentic firecrackers can be found on eBay and other marketplaces, but attempt them at your own risk! Remember when using any form of fireworks to make sure you have the correct permission and aren’t going to be stepping on any neighbor’s toes this year – not a great way to bring in the New Year, hey?!
Happy Chinese New Year 2021!
There we go! These were some of the best Chinese New Year decorations we found, and all you’ll need to get your New Years’ party going with a twist – or a bang if you decide on the firecrackers! Whether you’ve gone full out on the decorations, or you’re combining Chinese culture with some Western – or perhaps another tradition! – it’s important to keep respect for any and all cultures you’re appreciating. Although this goes without saying, it’s always worth mentioning.
We know 2020 was vastly out of our control and most circumstances have been bizarre, to say the least, so we know how important it is to celebrate with family and friends over the holidays. Please enjoy your time safely and most of all, enjoy yourself! You deserve it, girl!
新年快乐 – or Happy New Year from all of us at Cotier Brand! We hope you have a wonderful start to the year of 2021 and we’ll meet again for the next party!
If you’re looking for more party tips, decorating inspiration, or hosting guidance, be sure to follow us on Instagram @CotierBrand and join our mailing list here
